Steel Bridge Team Places in Top Five Percent in the Nation

The Steel Bridge Team took 12th place at the National Steel Bridge Competition.

NJIT took 12th place at the National Steel Bridge Competition held this weekend at the University of Akron.

A total of 47 college teams competed in the contest, with the NJIT Steel Bridge Team placing ahead of colleges such as Clemson, University of Michigan, Texas A&M, University of Connecticut and University of Virginia.

Altogether, 220 teams entered regional steel bridge contests held earlier this year, with 47 winners making it to nationals. NJIT thus placed in the top five percent nationally, which is the highest ranking the school has achieved. The team also did well in the individual rankings, placing eighth in construction speed, sixth in display, fifth in stiffness and 11th for economy.

“This is a great improvement from previous years and it was due to the team’s dedicated work in enhancing innovation in the bridge-engineering design, construction and management,” said John Schuring, a professor of civil engineering who advises the team.

The bridge was also the lightest ever designed by an NJIT team -- a mere 115 lbs. of steel that spanned 16 feet and supported a load of 2,500 lbs., added Schuring. This year’s team also had the most women members -- seven -- five of whom attended nationals.

“While we always have strong teams this year’s team possessed a special blend of harmony and cooperation that one rarely sees,” said Schuring. “NJIT is now ranked 12th in the nation out of 220 engineering schools! Top five percent is always a great place to be, for sure, especially against tough competitors. Our students demonstrated tremendous teamwork and we are extremely proud of them.”